Power control apparatus in a data transferring device



y 1965 s. D. CAPPOTTO ETAL 3,181,680

POWER CONTROL APPARATUS IN A DATA TRANSFERRING DEVICE Filed May 14, 1963s Sheets-Shet 1 INVENTORS- THEODOR E S. BOLTON SAMUEL D. CA PPOTTO BYMM, Mi-M A TTORNEYS May 4, 1965 S. D. CAPPOTTO ETAL POWERCONTROLAPPARATUS IN A DATA TRANSFERRING DEVICE Filed May 14, 1963 3Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS THEODORE s. BOLTON By SAMUEL o. CAPPOTTO12724444, [Zola/n1 722.0101

ATTORNEYS s. D. CAPPOTTO ETAL 3,181,680

May 4, 1965 POWER CONTROL APPARATUS IN A DATA TRANSFERRING DEVICE 5Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 14, 1963 JNVENTORS THEODORE S. BOLTON VS/AMUEL0. CAPPOTTO ,JM, wwm

ATTORNfKS United States Patent 3,181,680 POWER CONTROL APPARATUS IN ADATA TRANSFERRING DEVICE Samuel D. Cappotto, Syracuse, and Theodore S.Bolton, Fayetteville, N.Y., assignors to SCM Corporation, New York,N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed May 14, 1963, Ser. No. 280,385 12Claims. (Cl. 17-17) This invention relates to data transferring devicesand, more particularly, to novel apparatus for activating carriagereturn, tabulating, backspacing and other function performingpower-operated mechanisms in data transferring devices. The presentinvention is particularly adaptable to power operated typewriters andits principles will be developed by relating it to this type of datatransferring device. It is to be understood, however, that the presentinvention is by no means limited to this particular type of device.

Apparatus answering the foregoing general description is well known asis shown by United States Patents Nos. 2,252,004, issued August 12,1941, to Helmond, for Typewriting Machine; 2,638,199, issued May 12,1953, to Schremp, for Power-Operated Typewriter; and 2,951,- 572, issuedSeptember 6, 1960, to Neidhardt et al. for Repeat Actuation Mechanismfor Business Machines. The typical prior art device includes an operatoractuated key (commonly termed a feature key) and a power arm mechanismactivated by operation of the key to transiently connect the typewriterpower roll to the actuator of the typewriter mechanism associated withthe operated key. In some of the prior art devices the keys may beoperated to a second repeat position which will connect the power rollto the associated typewriter mechanism until the key is released,causing repetitive operation of the mechanism.

There are several drawbacks in the prior art devices. First, a separatepower arm mechanism must be provided to operate each typewritermechanism. As a result, typewriters employing such devices areundesirably complex and, therefore, expensive to construct and maintain.In addition, two or more feature keys can be operated simultaneously inmost of the prior art devices. This is undesirable since simultaneouskey operation causes looking up or jamming of the typewriter.

Another drawback of prior art devices is their inability to preventjamming when the typewriter is operated in the following manner: afeature key is operated while the typewriter is off, releasing the powerarm mechanism and drive connecting the immobile power roll and theassociated typewriter mechanism. Thereafter the typewriter is switchedon and the power roll effects an unwanted operation of the mechanism. Aneven more serious problem occurs if two or more feature keys areoperated while the typewriter is off. In this case all of the mechanismsassociated with operated keys are actuated simultaneously when thetypewriter is turned on, causing it to jam.

In view of the drawbacks of the above-described prior art devices, it isone object of the present invention to provide novel improved apparatusfor drive connecting the power sources of power operated datatransferring devices to tabulating, carriage return, backspacing, andother function performing mechanisms.

In conjunction with the foregoing object, it is another object of thepresent invention to provide novel, improved power transferringapparatus which:

(1) Will operate a plurality of function performing mechanisms,eliminating the necessity of providing a separate control arm mechanismfor each such mechanism and thereby reducing the complexity and cost ofpower operated data transferring devices;

3,181,680 Fatented May 4, 1965 "Ice (2) Will prevent simultaneousoperation and consequent jamming of function performing mechanisms;

(3) Will permit both single cycle and repeat operation of the functionperforming mechanisms;

(4) Will, unless repeat operation is desired, prevent repeat operationof the function performing mechanisms;

(5) Will, if a feature key is operated while the data transferringdevice is off, prevent actuation of the associated mechanism when thedevice is thereafter turned on, thereby preventing unwanted mechanismoperations and jamming of the device; and

(6) Is more economical to construct than the prior art devices andrequires a minimum number of adjustments.

Additional objects and further novel features of the present inventionwill be more fully apparent from the appended claims and as the ensuingdetailed description and discussion proceeds in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a partial view, in perspective, of a poweroperatedtypewriter incorporating the novel power arm mechanism of the presentinvention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevation of the power arm mechanism, looking from theleft-hand side of the typewriter, with certain of the typewritercomponents being shown in section and with the power arm mechanism inits inoperative position;

FIGURE 3 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, but with the operating cam ofthe power arm mechanism shown in phantom lines to better illustrateother power arm mechanism components;

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, but with a typewriter featurekey depressed;

FIGURE 5 is a front elevation of the power arm mechanism, lookingsubstantially in the direction of arrows 5-5 in FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 6 is a partial top plan view of the typewriters carriage returnmechanism.

Referring now to FIGURE 1 of the drawing, typewriter 10 includes a powerroll 12 driven by a suitable electric motor (not shown) and typewritermechanisms such as a carriage return 14 and a backspace mechanism (notshown) controlled by feature keys including carriage return key 16 andbackspace key 18. A single power arm mechanism 20 of novel constructiondrive connects power roll 12 and a selected typewriter mechanism whenthe associated feature key is depressed to actuate the selectedtypewriter mechanism.

Power roll 12 is rotatably journalled in typewriter side frames 22 and24 and is rotated by a belt drive including a flexible belt 26 whichextends over a pulley 28 fixed to the power roll shaft and over a pulley(not shown) drive connected to the typewriter motor. One suitable beltdrive is shown in application No. 141,794, filed September 29, 1961, bySamuel D. Cappotto, although the present invention by no means requiresthis particular type of drive.

Power roll 12 is of the continuously rotating type; that is, as long asthe typewriter motor is on, power roll 12 is continuously rotated. Powerroll 12 furnishes power for actuating the type actions (not shown) andvarious typewriter mechanisms such as the carriage return mechanism,backspace mechanism, tabulating mechanism, and the like.

With continued reference to FIGURE 1, the carriage return key 16, bywhich the carriage return mechanism 14 is controlled, includes a keybutton 30 mounted on the upper end of a generally vertically extendingkey stem 32. Key stem 32 is supported for generally vertical movement byan integral extension 34 which extends toward the rear of typewriter 10and is rotatably journalled on a transversely extending shaft 35. Shaft35 is supported from typewriter side frames 22 and 24 by brackets 36(only one of which is shown) attached to the sidefr-ames as by screws38. Y

At its lower end, key stem 32 extends rearwardly and then upwardly andterminates in a horizontally and transversely extending integral ear 40.Ear 40 is positioned to engage and be engaged by the upper edge of anelongated, rearwardly extending, bar-like interposer 42 pivotablyconnected, at its rearward end, to a carriage return mechanism actuatinglink 44 by a pin 46 which extends through the interposer and actuatinglink and is headedv over to maintain these components in assembledrelationship. Interposer 42 is biased to the inoperative position.

shown in FIGURES 1-3 by a coil spring48 hooked, at its lower end, intoan aperture 50 in interposer 42. The upperend of spring 48 is hookedinto an aperture (not shown) in an L-shaped bracket 52 extending betweenand fixed in any suitable manner to typewriter side frames22 and 24.

As is best shown inFIGURES 1 and5, interposeri42 extends through anaperture 54 in a transversely disposed plate-like bracket 56 attached toL-shaped bracket 52 by screws 58. Aperture 54 .has an upper portionfitlwide enough to accommodate a plurality of interposers inside-.by-side relationship and a lower portion 62 which has tions in upperaperture portionto their operative positions in lower aperture portion62. As a result, only one typewriter mechanism can be operated at a timeand;

jamming or lock ups caused by the simultaneous actuation of two or moretypewriter mechanisms is precluded.

When a feature key is depressed to operate a typewriter mechanism, theassociated inter-poser actuates the single novel power arm mechanism 20which drive connects the continuously rotating power roll 12 to theactuating link of the typewriter mechanism controlledby thedepressedfeature key. Referring now to FIGURES 2 and 3, which show powerarm mechanism 20 in its inoperative position, this component includes acam frame66 pivotally mounted on a rearwardly extending, integral arm 67of bracket 56 by a pivot stud- 68. Rotatably mounted on a shaft 69 fixedto the upper end of cam frame 66 are a serrate-faced typewritermechanism actuating cam 70 and a latch cam 72 fixed together in anydesired manner for concomitant rotary movement. Cam frame 66 is biasedto theinoper-ative position shown in FIGURES 2 and 3 by a spring 74hooked, at one end, in'an aperture 76 formed in a depending projection78 of the cam frame. The other end of spring 74 is hooked into anaperture 80 near the lower edge of bracket 56. Spring 74 biases camframe 66 in a counterclockwise direction about pivot stud 68 (as shownin FIGURES 2 and 3). Movement of the cam frame in the counterclockwisedirection is limited by the engagement of an integral abutment portion82 of the cam frame with bracket 56. In this inoperative posi tion adished out segment 84 of the typewriter mechanism actuating cam 70. ispositioned opposite and in spaced relation to power roll12 so that thepower roll cannot rotate the cam.

In the inoperative disposition of FIGURESZ and 3,

66 from latch 88 which holds the latch against the cam frame. Pivot stud68 is partially surrounded by the main body portion 98 0f latch 88 whichextends downwardly 'andjhen rearwardly and by an integral upwardlyextending finger 100 formed'on'latch 88 on the opposite side of pivotstud 68 from the latchsmain body portion 98.

Latch 88 is biased upwardly by a spring 102 fastened, at its lower end,in an aperture 104 formed in a horizontally extending integralprojection 106 of the latch. The upper end of spring 102 is hooked in anaperture 108 formed in a horizontally extending, integral projection 110of cam frame 66. 'As is shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, spring 102 biaseslatch 88 upwardly .until the shank '92 of pivot stud 90engages the upperedge 112 of the rectangular aperture 94 formedain cam frame 66. Inaddition, spring 102 biases the latch in a clockwise direction aboutpivot stud 90 until integral finger 100 bears against pivot s'tud168. Inthis position, an upwardly extending, elongated extension 114. of latch88 bearsagainst a generally flat surface portion 116 of latch cam 72adjacent its intersection with peripheral cam surface 118. This exerts'aforce on latch cam 72, tending to rotate the cam in a clockwisedirection and thereby maintaining latch, cam shoulder 86 engaged againstthe cooperating vertically extending rear edge 120 of latch 88.

Referring again to FIGURE 1, to actuate carriage return mechanism 14return key 16'is depressed, rotating key stem arm 34 in acounterclockwise direction (as shown in FIGURE 1)., thereby lowering keystem 32 and its integral ear 40. As key stem-32 moves downwardly, ear 40engages the upper edge of interposer 42, pivoting it in acounterclockwise direction (clockwise as shown in FIGURES 2-4) about pin46. As. the interposer pivots, a 'rectangularly sectioned depending lug122 engages a transversely extendingv integral car 124 formed on thelower' end of latch. 88, moving latch 88. downwardly 'againstthe forceof spring 102 andmoving the rear edge 120;of latch 8 8v out ofengagement with the shoulder 86 of latch cam 72." v

As the upper end oflatch edge 120 clears latch cam projection 86, latchcam '72 is freed for rotation. Latch extension 114, biased against latchcam surface 116 by spring 102, then rotates latch cam 72 andtypewritermechanism actuating cam 70 in a clockwise direction(counterclockwise in FIGURE 1) until thecam surface 126 of typewritermechanism actuating cam 70 engages continuously rotating power roll 12.At; this point the counterclockwise rotating power roll (as shown inFIG- URE 2) drives'typewriter mechanism actuating cam 70 in a clockwisedirection, thereby,-as shown in FIGURE 4, pivoting cam: frame 66 inaclockwise direction (counterclockwise in FIGURE 1) about pivot stud 68.Referring now to FIGURE 4, when interposer 42 is in its lowered oroperative position, a transversely extending ear 128, formed on thelower end of cam frame 66, is disposed in a rectangular notch 130 formedin the lower edge of interposer 42 adjacent latch engaging lug 122.Therefore, as cam frame 66 pivots, cam-frame ear 128 engages the rearedge 132 of notch 130, driving interposer 42' :and' carriagev returnmechanism actuating link 44 toward the rear of typewriter. 10 as shownby arrow 134 in FIGURE 4. From the foregoing, it will j be apparent thatinterposer 42 is both theinput to and the output from power armmechanism 20. Specifically,

latch cam 72 'hasa verticallyoriented projection orshouL der 86 engagedby the edge of a plate-like latch 88. Vertithe movement of a feature keyto its operative position effects an actuation of the'associatedinterposer 42' which moves latch 88 downwardly, in the manner explainedabove, freeing actuating cam 70 for movement by power roll 12; and this,in turn, effects movement 'of interposer 42 by cam frame ear 128 tooperate the function performing mechanism associatedwith the operatedfeature key. Although the foregoing interplay between the feature :key,motion transferring mechanism and interposer has been describedwithrelation to operation of the carriage. return mechanism, it is to beunderstood that this interplay is the same regardless of the particularfunction performing mechanism involved.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, carriage return mechanism actuating link 44terminates, at its rear end, in a horizontal integral lip 136, pivotallyconnected to a crank 138 by a pivot stud 140. Crank 138 is pivotallymounted on a vertically extending stationary post 142 (see alsoFIGURE 1) by a screw 144. At its opposite end crank 138 is pivotallyconnected to the inner end of an actuator arm 146 by a pivot stud 147.The outer end of actuator arm 146 terminates in a vertically extendingleg 148 provided with an aperture 150 (see FIGURE 1) through which ashoulder screw 152 extends. A compression spring 154, disposed onshoulder screw 152, extends between a washer 155 adjacent leg 148 ofactuator arm 146 and a washer 156 held on the inner end of shoulderscrew 152 by a nut 158.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, the outer end of shoulder screw 152, on whicha nut 159 is threaded, extends through an ear 166 formed on the lowerend of a vertically extending lever 162 pivotally mounted, at its upperend, on a horizontally extending shaft 164. A U-shaped bracket 166,attached to typewriter side frame 24 as by rivets 168, supports shaft164 from the side frame.

Lever 162 is operatively connected to a tape wheel 166 by studs 168which are fixed to the tape wheel hub 170 and extend through apertures172 in the lever. Tape wheel 166 is mounted coaxial with power roll 12as is a continuously driven carriage return pulley 174 journalledadjacent the tape wheel. Appropriate biasing means (not shown) normallyprovide a slight clearance between cork discs (not shown) fixed to theapposite surfaces of tape wheel 166 and carriage return pulley 174 topermit carriage return pulley 174 to rotate relative to the tape wheel.

However, when carriage return key 16 is depressed to operate thecarriage return mechanism, driving interposer 42 and carriage returnactuating link 44 toward the rear of typewriter in the manner describedabove, link 44 pivots crank 138 in a clockwise direction about screw144, pulling actuator arm 146 to the left (as viewed in FIGURE 1)against the bias of compression spring 154, thereby pulling lever 162 ina clockwise direction (as viewed in FIGURE 1). As lever 162 pivots, itbears against hub 170 of tape wheel 166, moving the tape Wheel intodriving engagement with carriage return pulley 174, causing the carriagereturn pulley to rotate the tape wheel. As tape wheel 166 rotates, aflexible tape 175 is wound onto the tape wheel. The opposite end of tape175 is connected to the typewriter carriage (not shown), and, as thetape is wound on tape wheel 166, the carriage is drawn to the right (asviewed in FIG- URE 1) until it reaches the left margin position. At thispoint a latch (not shown) provided to hold carriage return actuatinglink 44 to the rear of the typewriter until the carriage returnoperation is completed, is released, allowing the actuating link andinterposer 42 to return to their inoperative positions.

The above-described tape type carriage return mechanism is describedherein merely to clarify the function of applicants novel power armmechanism and its details form no part of the present invention.Therefore, a more detailed description of this mechanism is not deemednecessary.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, power roll 12 drives typewriter mechanismactuating cam 70, actuating carriage return mechanism 14 in the mannerdescribed above, and, thereafter, rotates cam surface 118 of latch cam72 into engagement with latch extension 114. This rotates latch 83 in acounterclockwise direction about a pivot coincident with the line onwhich latch extension 101) engages pivot stud 68.

As latch cam 118 rotates latch 88, the ear 124 on the lower end of thelatch moves off the depending projection 122 on interposer 42. As ear124 clears projection 122, spring 102 pulls latch 88 upwardly,positioning its upper edge portion 121 in the path of latch cam shoulder3-6 and engaging ear 124 with a lower edge portion 176 of interposer 42.As latch cam 72 completes its revolution, therefore, shoulder 86 engageslatch portion 121), preventing further rotation of the cam. At the sametime, spring 74 pivots cam frame 66 in a counterclockwise direction (asshown in FIGURE 2) about pivot stud 68, restoring power arm mechanism 20to the inoperative position shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. This prevents asecond rotation of typewriter mechanism actuating cam 71) and a repeatoperation of the typewriter mechanism when only a single operation isdesired.

When return key 16 is released, the spring 48 connected betweeninterposer 42 and L-shaped bracket 52 pivots interposer 42 in acounterclockwise direction (as shown in FIGURE 2) about pin 46. Asinterposer 42 pivots, it engages key stem ear 4t) and moves key stem 32upwardly, returning key 16 to the inoperative position.

A screw 177 (see FIGURE 1) is threaded into typewriter side frame 24and, when carriage return key 16 is restored to the inoperativeposition, the forwardly extending projection 178 on key stem 32 engagesthis screw, limiting the upward movement of the key stem.

It may happen that return key 16 is released before the cam cycledescribed above is completed. In this case interposer 42 returns to theinoperative position shown in FIGURE 2, rendering it ineffective to holdlatch 88 in its lowered position out of engagement with latch cam 72. Toprevent this from adversely affecting the operating cycle describedabove, cooperating surfaces of latch extension 114 and latch cam 72,viz., latch edge 179 and the edge 18% of latch cam 72 at theintersection of cam surfaces 116 and 118, are configured so that latchcam edge 180 will hold latch 88 in its down or withdrawn position untilthat point in the cycle is reached where typewriter mechanism actuatingcam 70 is about to clear power roll 12. At this point, latch 88 isreleased and moved upwardly by spring 1112, in the manner describedabove, to position it in the path of latch cam projection 86 toterminate rotation of the cam.

In the single cycle operation of carriage return mechanism 14 describedabove, carriage return key 16 is de pressed until a forwardly andhorizontally extending stop projection 182 on key stem 32 engages atransversely extending bail 184 which limits the downward movement ofcarriage return key 16. Referring to FIGURE 1, each of the end portions(only one of which is shown) of bail 184 is bent at right angles to forman arm 186 and a bail supporting portion 188 which extends through anaperture 191) in typewriter side frame 22 (or 24), pivotally supportingbail 184 from the typewriter side frames.

A heavy torsion spring 192 is disposed around each support portion 188,with its ends fixed respectively in an aperture 194 in one of thetypewriter side frames and around the associated normally extending bailarm portion 186. Torsion springs 192 bias bail 184 in a counterclockwisedirection against horizontally extending stop portions 196 of brackets198 fixed to the typewriter side frames in any desired manner.

By increasing the pressure on a feature key such as carriage return key16, the upward biasing force of torsion springs 192 may be overcome,permitting the key to be depressed past the normal operative position towhich it is moved for single cycle operation to a repeat position inwhich stop projections 178 engage screws 199 threaded into thetypewriter side frames. When a feature key such as carriage return key16 is depressed to the repeat position, the associated typewritermechanism is periodically actuated until the key is released. Forexample, if carriage return key 16 is depressed toits repeat position,carriage return mechanism 14 is actuated in the manner described above.However, interposer 42 is lowered further than in the single cycleoperation described above; and when latch 88 is rotated in acounteropposite crank208 and adjacent shaft supportin g bracket 7 216.Crank 220 extends forwardly and terminates, at its forward end, in avertically extending end portion 222 interposer retains latch 88 in alowered position in which it is unable to engage latch cam projection86. There,

fore, as cams 70 and 72 complete their rotative cycle, latch spring 102,acting through latch extension 114, immediately biases the cams in aclockwise direction, in the manner described above, re-engagingtypewriter mechanism actuating cam 70 with power roll 12. The operatingcycle repeats until the pressure on carriage return key 16 is decreased,allowing it to return to th e intermediate single cycle position or tothe inoperative position.

As'pointed out above, one of the drawbacks of prior art typewriters isthat, if two or more feature keys are operated while the typewriter isoff and the typewriter is then turned on, the typewriter mechanismsassociated with those keys are simultaneously actuated, locking up orjamming the typewriter. By employing the novel typewriter mechanismactuating mechanism described above, this undesirable condition isprevented. With reference and a horizontal and transversely extendingcar 224 which overlies a backspace interposer 226 which may besubstantially identical to and is mounted beside the interposer 42 forcarriage return mechanism 14. Like interposer 42, interposer 226 isconnected to an actuating link for the backspace mechanism. 1.

To operate the backspace mechanism, backspace key 18 is depressed untilan integral projection 228 extending from backspace key'stem 204 engagesbail 1-841 Depresto FIGURE 2, if carriage return key 16 is' depressedwhile the typewriter is off, latch'88 is withdrawn from engagement withlatch cam 72 in the manner described above and latch spring 102 rotateslatch cam 72 and typewriter'mechanism actuating cam 70 until, the'latteris en-' gaged with power roll 12. However, when carriage return key 16is released, interposer 42 returns to the inoperative position shown inFIGURE 2 and, consequently, the car 128 on the lower end of cam frame 66is not disposed in interposer notch 130. As; a result, there is nodriving connection between cam frame 66 and the in- V terposer.Therefore, when the typewriter is turned on, power roll 12 drivestypewriter mechanism actuating cam 70 through its cycle in the mannerdescribed above, pivoting cam frame 66 about pivot stud 68. However, as

there is no driving connection between the cam frame and the interposer,the 'interposer is not driven toward the rear of the machine to actuatecarriage return mechanism 14. Therefore, .both unwanted carriage returnoperations and the possibility of jamming or locking up are prevented. V

As was also pointed out above, it is another novel feature of thepresent invention that the single powerarm 4.5 mechanism 20 may beemployed to operate a number 7 of typewriter mechanism in contrast tothe prior art devices in which a power arm mechanism is required fortially identicalto key stem 32, and is mounted on the.

opposite side of typewriter 10 from carriage return key 16. Key stem 204is pivotably supported from rotatable shaft 35 by key'stem extension 206in a manner similar to 'key stem 32. At its lower end, key stern 204 ispivotally connected to one end of a crank 208 by a pivot stud tended tobe encompassed in the scope of the present in-.

210. At its opposite end, crank 208 is fixed to a transversely extendingshaft 212 rotatably journalled, at its opposite ends, in brackets 214and 216' rigidly fixedto key 18 when the latter is restored to itsinoperative position.

A crank 220 is fixed to shaft 212 at the end thereof sion of thebackspace key lowers key stem 204, rotating crank208, shaft 212,and'crank'220 in a counterclock- 'wise direction. As the crank rotates,crank ear 224.

engages 'inter'poser 226, pivoting it in a counterclockwise direction.'This, in the manner describedabove-in conjunction-with interposer 42,initiates the operating cycle ofspower anm mechanism 20, resulting ininterposer 226 being driven to the rear of the typewriter to actuate thebackspace mechanism.

With reference to FIGURE. 1,' a spring 227 is connected betweeninterposer 226 and the L-shaped bracket 52. When backspace key 18 isreleased, this. spring pivots intenposer 226' in a clockwise direction.As the inter- V poser pivots, it engages the ear 224' formed on crank220,

rotating crank 220, sharft212, and crank 208 in a clock; wise direction.The clockwise rotation of crank 208 rotates backspace key stem 204 in aclockwise direction,

restoring backspace key 18 to the inoperative position.

in which crank 208 engages the ear 218 on shaft supporting bracket 214.i g

Ifrepeat operationof the backspacemechanism is desired, increasedpressure is exerted "on backspace key 18, pivoting bail 184 against theforce of torsion springs 192 until key ste m extension 228 engages astud 230 threaded into typewriter side frame 22. Then, in the mannerdescribed above in conjunction withinterposer 42, po wer arm mechanism20 repeats its operating cycle, periodically driving interposer 226 tothe rear of typewriter 10 to repeatedly actuate the backspace mechanismas long as backspace key 18 is maintained in the repeat position 'withkey stem extensionu228 limited against stud 230. It will be obvious,from the foregoing, that power arm mechanism 20, may be employed tocontrol additional or other function. performing mechanisms such asline.-

. spacing mechanisms, tabulating mechanisms, and type actions, forexample, and such modifications are fully invention as is. theapplication of the present invention to data transferring devices otherthan typewriters such as teletype and data processing equipment andcalculating machines, to name but a few.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the,appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are therefore intended to be embraced there-in.

What is claimed and desired to besecured by Letters Patent is: p I 1. Ina power, operated data transferring device: (a) a plurality ofselectively actuatable, cyclically operable function performingmechanisms;

(b) output means for each of said functionperforming mechanisms, eachsaid output means being operatively connectable to a different one ofsaid function (d) a single powertransferring mechanism operable to anoperative position to drive connect said power roll to any one of saidoutput means and to effect movement of said output means through itsoperating cycle to thereby effect an operation of the functionperforming mechanism associated with said output means;

(2) a distinct manually operable input element for each of said functionperforming mechanisms; and

(3) independent input mean operably connected between each of said inputelements and said power transferring mechanism, each said input meansbeing operable upon movement of the associated input element to itsoperative position to move said power transferring means to theoperative position thereof, whereby movement of an input element to itsoperative position effects an operation of the function performingmechanism associated therewith.

2. The power operated data transferring device as defined in claim 1,wherein:

(a) each of said input elements has a repeat position distinct from itsoperative position; and

(b) said power transferring mechanism includes means operable uponmovement of an input element to its repeat position to drive connect thepower roll to the associated function performing mechanism and tomaintain the drive connection therebetween until said input element isrestored to its inoperative or operative positions.

3. The data transferring device as defined in claim 1, including meanspreventing simultaneous movement of two or more of said input elementsfrom their inoperative positions to thereby prevent simultaneousoperation of two or more of said function mechanism operating outputmeans.

4. The data transferring device as defined in claim 1, wherein saidpower transferring mechanism includes means preventing rotation of thepower roll from causing operation of a function performing mechanismwhose associated input element was operated while the power roll was notrotating.

5. An improved power arm mechanism for data transferring devices and thelike, comprising:

(a) an elongated, pivotally mountable cam frame;

(b) a function performing mechanism actuating cam rotatably supportedfrom said cam frame and adapted to be driven by a power roll adjacentsaid frame;

() a latch mounted for limited multi-directional parallel movementrelative to said cam frame;

(d) a latch cam fixed to said actuating cam for rotation therewith andhaving a latching projection formed thereon; and

(e) resilient means connected between said latch and said cam frame andbiasing said latch to a position against said latch cam projection toprevent rotation of the mechanism actuating cam, the mounting of saidlatch for movement relative to said cam frame allowing movement of saidlatch out of engagement with said latch projection to free saidactuating cam for rotation by said power roll.

6. In a power operated data transferring device:

(a) a plurality of function performing mechanism actuating links;

(b) a continuously rotating power roll;

(c) a single power arm mechanism;

(d) a [feature key for each of the function performing mechanisms; and

(e) an independent interposer operably interposed between each functionperforming mechanism and the associated feature key and operable by themovement of the associated feature key from an inoperative to anoperative position to drive connect the power arm mechanism to the powerroll and to the actuating link of the mechanism associated with theoperated feature key to displace said link in a mecharrism actuatingdirection.

7. In a power operated data transferring device:

(a) a plurality of function performing mechanism actuating links;

l(b) a continuously rotating power roll;

(0) a single power arm mechanism;

(d) a feature key for each of the function performing mechanisms;

(e) an interposer operably interposed between each function performingmechanism and the associated feature key and operable by the movement ofthe associated feature key from an inoperative to an operative positionto drive connect the power arm mechanism to the power roll and to theactuating link of the mechanism associated with the operated feature keyto displace said link in a mechanism actuating direction; and l (f) astationary Ibracket provided with an enlarged aperture through whichsaid interposers extend and a smaller aperture having substantially thesame cross sectional configuration as said interposers communieatingwith said larger aperture;

(g) said intenposers being mounted for displacement from the largeraperture into the smaller aperture lay movement of the associatedfeature key to its operative position, whereby simultaneous displacementof said interposers and a resulting simultaneous actuation of theassociated function performing mechanisms is precluded.

8. In -a power operated data transferring device:

(a) a plurality of function performing mechanism actuating links;

(b) a continuously rotating power roll;

(c) a feature key for each of the function performing mechanisms;

(d) an interposer operably interposed between each function performingmechanism and the associated feature key, said interposers beingdrivingly connected to the associated actuating links and beingpivotally displaceable hy the movement of the associated feature keyfrom an inoperative to an operative position to drive connect the powerarm mechanism to the power roll and to the actuating link of themechanism associated with the operated feature key to displace said linkin a mechanism actuating direction; and

(e) a single power mechanism including:

(l) a pivotally mounted cam frame drive connectable to an intenposer bythe movement of the associated feature key to the operative posi- Ition;

(2) a function performing mechanism actuating cam rotatably supportedfrom said cam frame and rotatable by said power roll to pivot said roamframe; and

(3) a cam latch normally restraining said cam against rotation andmovable by the displacement of an interposer to free said cam forrotation and move it into driving engagement with said power roll tothereby effect pivotal movement of the cam frame and mechanism actuatingmovement of the drive connected interposer and the link associatedtherewith.

9. The data transferring device as defined in claim 8:

(a) wherein the power arm mechanism includes a latch cam rotatably fixedto the actuating cam and having a latching projection thereon normallyengaged 'by said latch to restrain said latch cam from rotation; and

(b) wherein said latch has an integral ear lying in the path of saidintenposers, whereby feature key initiated movement of an interposercauses said interposer to withdraw said latch from cam restrainingengagement with said latching cam.

10. The data transferring device as defined in claim 9:

(a) iwherein said'latch has an integral extension-engageaible with saidlatch cam upon Withdrawal of latch from cam restraining engagement withsaid I latching projection; and Y (b) including resilient means forbiasing said integral latch extension against said latch cam to'rotatesaid latch and thereby bring said mechanism actuatin g cam into drivingengagement with said power roll.

'11. The data transferring'device as defined in claim 9:

(a) wherein each of said inteipoeers has a projection fonmed thereon forengaging said latch ear;

(b) including means establishing a pivotal connection Between the camflame and the latch;v and: V *(c) whereinthe cam surface .of the latchcam is shaped to pivot the latch about said connection as said powerroll revolves, the mechanism actuating team to, move the latch ear ofi.the integral interposer after about one revolution of the mechanismactuating cam and penmit said resilient biasing means to restore saidlatch int-o movement restraining engagernent with the latchingprogiection on the latch cam.

12. The .data transferring device as define-din claim 11:

(a)*whe'rein said feature keys are-displaceaible to a 5,7 normaloperative-position and to a repeatfposition; and I I (11) includingmeans on said intenpo'sers efiective to prevent the resilient biasingmeans from restoring the latch into movement restrainingengagement withm the latch cam upon movement of the associated fea- 20 WILLIAM B. PENN;Primary Eicam z'ner'. R

6. IN A POWER OPERATED DATA TRANSFERRING DEVICE: (A) A PLURALITY OFFUNCTION PERFORMING MECHANISM ACTUATING LINKS; (B) A CONTINUOUSLYROTATING POWER ROLL; (C) A SINGLE POWER ARM MECHANISM; (D) A FEATURE KEYFOR EACH OF THE FUNCTION PERFORMING MECHANISMS; AND (E) AN INDEPENDENTINTERPOSER OPERABLY INTERPOSED BETWEEN EACH FUNCTION PERFORMINGMECHANISM AND THE ASSOCIATED FEATURE KEY AND OPERABLE BY THE MOVEMENT OFTHE ASSOCIATED FEATURE KEY FROM AN INOPERATIVE TO AN OPERATIVE POSITIONTO DRIVE CONNECT THE POWER ARM MECHANISM TO THE POWER ROLL AND TO THEACTUATING LINK OF THE MECHANISM ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATED FEATURE KEYTO DISPLACE SAID LINK IN A MECHANISM ACTUATING DIRECTION.